Diagnosing and Treating Adult ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, was originally considered a childhood disorder. But in most cases, ADHD persists into adulthood. Adult ADHD is a very common and impairing disorder. Recent studies show that about 4.4% of the adult population in the United States has ADHD. That means about 8 million individuals.

If individuals are worried that they might have ADHD, it's important to go in and get a diagnosis. The consequences of missing the diagnosis are significant.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, was originally considered a childhood disorder. But in most cases, ADHD persists into adulthood. Adult ADHD is a very common and quite impairing disorder. Recent studies show that about 4.4% of the adult population in the United States has ADHD. That means about 8 million individuals.

If individuals are worried that they might have ADHD, it's important to go in and get a diagnosis. The consequences of missing the diagnosis are significant. We know that untreated adults with ADHD are more likely to be divorced and separated, to be underemployed, change jobs more frequently or be unemployed, more likely to abuse substances, smoke cigarettes, and have more driving accidents.

Most adults do not experience the same level of hyperactivity that is found in children. But there are other symptoms that can be common in adults.Watch the video